The Mindanao Cross | November 28, 2020

Vol. LXXII| No. 42 | Cotabato City | Saturday, November 28, 2020 |8 Pages | P10.00

SECOND PAGE

Investment plan seen to boost BARMM economy/P2

CHURCH

4 Redemptorists ordained to priesthood/P4

BACK

Catamco backs AFP’s diplomatic campaign/P8

TF PROBES MURDER OF POLICE COLONEL The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) has organized a task force to investigate on the brutal murder in Sultan Mastura town over the weekend of the former police chief of Jolo town in Sulu. P7

27 B LU E P U S O R I C E . T h i s naturally blue-colored rice brings a new kick to your typical white rice. A restaurant in Cotabato City is serving the blue rice which uses Butterfly Pea Flower or Blue Ternate that gives the royal blue tint while preserving the old ways of packing rice familiar among Cebuanos. The blue rice is best match with beef stew also known as ‘bullcacheng’.

Ferdinandh Cabrera

RDC-12 rushes creation of consular office KORONADAL CITY — Economic and planning officials of Region 12 are rushing the establishment of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Kidapawan City.

Early this week, the Macro-Economy, D e v e l o p m e n t Administration, and Finance Committee (MEDAFC) of Regional Development Council (RDC) XII called for a technical meeting to expedite the process of establishing the consular office.

Present during the meeting meeting were Ronan Eugene C. Garcia, MEDAFC chairperson, RDC XII Vice-Chairperson and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, Executive Director

Maria Theresa SM. Lazaro, Director Duke A. Villanueva, and Foreign Service Officer Hannah Eloisse V. Go of the DFA Office of Consular Affairs, Atty. Gary B. Vergara from the Office of North Cotabato Second District Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan, Zenaida B. Sollano of North Cotabato provincial and Divina M. Fuentes of Kidapawan City.

It was agreed during the meeting that the DFA and Kidapawan City LGU shall enter into a Memorandumof-Agreement which shall pave the way for the establishment of the DFA Consular Office in Kidapawan City, the Passport-on-Wheels program shall be conducted in the province while the establishment of the DFA Consular Office is

P3

BARMM top 2 in 2019 economic growth

BARMM transition period extension TOTO, TOY FAVOR

The Mangudadatus of Buluan, Maguindanao have expressed full support to calls for the extension of transition period of the Bangsamoro government until 2025.

Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the President shall appoint BARMM officials to serve the three-

year transition period and an election shall be held in 2022.

But Members of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), backed by interim chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, in a resolution have asked for extension due to the

P7

MNLF BACKS

The Moro National Liberation Front favors a three-year extension of the terms of appointed Bangsamoro officials under a chief minister from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The tenure of Hadji Ahod Ebrahim, chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in

YOUTH TRAINING. The Army’s 6th Infantry (REDSKIN) Battalion under 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division together with Voices for Youth Development held a three-day leadership training to dissuade Moro youths from joining local terrorist groups in Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on November 20-22.

Photo courtesy of DPAO-6ID

Muslim Mindanao, and 79 other members of the BARMM parliament whom President Rodrigo Duterte appointed last year is valid only until 2022.

MNLF Chairman Muslimin Sema said Thursday appointed BARMM officials need three more years to fully accomplish the

P3

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ranked 2nd among the regions in Mindanao in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and Gross Regional Domestic Expenditure (GRDE) growth rate in 2019.

Furthermore, BARMM ranked 7th among the 17 regions in the country after posting 5.9 percent growth rate in its GRDP. This was announced

by Razulden A. Mangelen ,OIC Regional Director of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-BARMM), during a Virtual Dissemination Forum on the Economic Performance of BARMM held Tuesday, Nov. 24 in the city.

W i t h 4 0 . 4 % contribution, Service

Sector now has the largest share in the region’s economic performance.

It is followed by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (AFF) sector with 34.5%, and Industry sector with 25.1 percent.

In 2018, BARMM was predominantly agriculture based.

According to PSA, the main growth drivers were: Public administration and defense at 16.1 percent; Manufacturing at 15.7 percent; Other services at 14.8 percent; Financial and insurance activities at 14.7 percent; and Accommodation and food services activities at 14.5 percent.

AFF with its 34.5% share to the region’s total economy inched up by 1.1% in 2019 compared to its robust increase of 8.7 percent in 2018.

P7

FOREST PLANTITOS. These men were sighted disembarking from a tractor in Guindulungan highway sacks of corn and forest native grown plants. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently warned the public against the purchasing exotic plants from poachers amid the rise of indoor gardening as a hobby during quarantine.

Ferdinandh Cabrera

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November 28,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Investment Plan seen to boost BARMM economy

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) economy is expected to get a boost after President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed the country’s Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) 2020, an official said Tuesday.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chair of BARMM’s Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), said the IPP is a blueprint for priority economic activities that qualify for fiscal incentives. It also contains a list of priority investment areas for every region.

For BARMM, Mastura said the investment priority areas include export activities; agriculture, agribusiness, aquaculture, and fishery; basic industries; infrastructure and services; industrial service facilities; engineering industries;

logistics; enterprises using the Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) framework on trade and investments; Tourism; health and education services and facilities; Halal industry; investment operations under Republic Act 11439 or An Act Providing for the Regulation and Organization of Islamic Banks; and energy.

“We worked hard with BOI Manila to include investment operations of Islamic banks in the BARMM list

in the IPP considering that the Islamic Banking Act was just passed and we hope that it will provide for more access to credit for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), particularly in the BARMM, which is the most underbanked region in the country,” Mastura said.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, he added, is grateful to Duterte for signing the IPP 2020 in light of the economic hardships brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. RBOI News

Release

Cops foil Tacurong bomb attack

TACURONG CITY— Alert police officers prevented what could be a bloody Thursday in Tacurong City after killing a suspected bomb courier during hot pursuit operation.

Corporal Ellrey Dasmariñas, Tacurong City PNP investigator on case, said police manning checkpoints and implementing health protocols along Barangay ECJ Montilla noticed

the suspect on board a motorbike passed by and acting suspiciously at 5:30 a.m.

When police operatives flagged down him for inspection, he sped away on board his motorbike without license plate.

This prompted motorcycle cops to chase the suspect who sped toward Tacurong City.

Dasmariñas said during pursuit operation,

the suspect allegedly fired at pursuing lawmen, triggering a shootout that left the suspect killed.

At the crime scene, police found a plastic bag with rice and two improvised bombs, a fragmentation grenade and cal. 45 pistol.

Lt. Colonel Rey Egos, Tacurong City police director, said the slain suspect remained unidentified. Edwin O.

The Bangsamoro government has released a P20,000 rehabilitation support each to parents of 180 children engaged in child labor as part of a campaign to address such malpractice, the regional labor minister announced early this week.

Minister Romeo Sema of the Ministry of Labor and EmploymentBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said they are addressing the issue of child labor in all five Bangsamoro provinces through MOLEBARMM’s Sagip Batang Manggagawa (SBM) program.

Sema told Mindanao Cross the distribution of the grants to parents

of the 180 child labor victims was facilitated on Thursday last week at a function facility in Cotabato City.

He said the event was jointly organized by his office and MOLEBARMM’s Bureau of Employment, Promotion and Welfare, or BEPW. “The project is attuned to the efforts of our chief minister, Ahod Ebrahim, to address this nagging child labor problem in the Bangsamoro region,” Sema said.

The MOLE-BARMM’s BEPW and the regional social welfare and local government ministries are cooperating in addressing child labor in the Bangsamoro provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao

del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose chairman, Ebrahim, is now appointed Bangsamoro chief minister, and foreign humanitarian organizations have forged, long before BARMM’s creation in early 2019, various tie-up programs preventing recruitment of child combatants by Southern Philippine secessionist forces.

“We are thankful to all local government units and other sectors helping us promote and protect the rights of the Moro, Christian and Lumad children in the Bangsamoro region,” Sema said. John Felix

Fernandez

Rehab support for child labor victims

Unson

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP. Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, welcomes US Army Commander of Special Operations Command Pacific, Brigadier General Joshua M. Rudd as he visits the army camp to strengthen the partnership of the US counterparts with the “Kampilan” troopers in the campaign against terrorism in Mindanao.

Photo courtesy of DPAO-6ID

Maguindanao massacre anniversary somber The coronavirus pandemic made languid the commemoration on Monday of the 11th anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre that left 58 people dead and shook the nation to its core.

At least 32 of the 58 fatalities in the incident, the country’s worst election-related violence ever, were members of central Mindanao’s media community.

The family of Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, who lost a spouse, Genalyn, in the carnage, led the simple prayer rite at the scene of the crime in Sitio Salman in Barangay Masalay in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

A number of relatives of slain journalists said they decided to forego, meantime, with their supposed participation in the event in keeping with state COVID-19 containment protocols.

“It doesn’t mean we are not one in spirit with those who went there at the massacre site to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the massacre,” said a daughter of one of

the 58 people killed on November 23, 2009 in Salman area by armed partisans.

The source, who is residing in South Cotabato province, said members of her family prayed for all victims of the massacre in their house instead.

The 58 massacre victims were in a convoy bound for Shariff Aguak, led Genalyn, who was to file on his behalf a certificate of candidacy for governor of Maguindanao in the then forthcoming May 2010 election.

Gunmen led by politicians who were to pit a candidate for the same post flagged them down while motoring through Barangay Salman in Ampatuan, while en route to the provincial capitol in Shariff Aguak, herded them to a hill in Sitio Salman and killed them with assault rifles and K3 machineguns.

A government career service staff, Eden Ridao, whose husband, Anthony, died in the incident, wrote on Facebook that while she and her two daughters were elated with the

“partial conviction” last December 19, 2019 of the massacre culprits, they are still wishing for a final judicial verdict that would put closure to the tragic demise of their family patriarch.

“Some of those adjudged guilty had filed their appeals in court.

While we recognize that it is their right to make an appeal, we just hope and pray that the final resolution of the case will not take another 10 years,” Ridao, said.

In a statement, Mangudadatu, who had served as Maguindanao governor for three consecutive terms after the massacre, urged for continuing fervent prayers for justice for all victims of the massacre.

“Maybe time indeed has healed the once gaping wounds that have left us numb to the very fiber of our being. For most, if not all, who are here with us, would agree that what has transpired on that fateful November 23, morning, 11 years ago is incredulously impossible to forget,” Mangudadatu said. John

Felix Unson

DOLE devolves functions to BARMM

STAKEHOLDERS MEETING. The JICA Study Team together with the City Government of Cotabato conducted the first stakeholders meeting for the urban infrastructure development in Cotabato City aimed to obtain perception and assessment on Spatial Developmentt Options on November 25 at Pagana Kutawato Native Restaurant.

Photo courtesy of JICA Study Team

The Department of Labor and Employment-12 have started facilitating DOLE’s devolution of its offices to the now 21-month Bangsamoro regional government.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or BARMM, replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao last February 2019 as a result of the 22-year peace talks between Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Romeo Sema, BARMM’s labor minister, said Wednesday he and DOLE-12’s regional director, Raymundo Agravante, met in Cotabato City Monday and discussed the modalities of the

department’s turnover to the Bangsamoro government of the functions of its offices serving the communities in the newly-created region.

DOLE has created, via Administrative Order 67, a task force that shall workout the gradual turnover to MOLE-BARMM of its offices operating in the Bangsamoro region.

“Our meeting was cordial. It was a brainstorming engagement,” Sema told reporters via online Messenger on Wednesday morning.

The meeting of MOLE-BARMM and DOLE 12 officials led by Agravante was held at the Bangsamoro capitol

in Cotabato City.

Sema said he and Agravante have agreed to sustain the connectivity of the MOLE-BARMM and the DOLE-12 after the turnover to the Bangsamoro government of its offices serving the Muslim, Christian and lumad residents of the region.

The DOLE-12 has offices in Cotabato City, seat of the Bangsamoro region, and in North Cotabato provinces where there are 63 barangays now under the newlyestablished autonomous regional government.

“There shall be followup engagements towards that goal between MOLEBARMM and the DOLE12,” Sema said. John Felix

Unson

November 28,2020 EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late NARCISO B. CARIÑO who died on May 14, 2010 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left parcels of land Lot No. 3475-A-2, Bsd-11001710; Lot No. 3475A-1, Bsd-11-001710 & Lot No. 3475-A-4, Bsd-11-001710 situated at Igpit, Digos, Davao del Sur, with the total area of 24,760 sq. mts., more or less covered

by TCT Nos. T-43095, T-43094 & T-43096, respectively, are the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with simultaneous waiver of rights before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 96; Page No. 20; Book No. CXC; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 28 , Dec 5 & 12,, 2020

3

THE MINDANAO CROSS

MNLF backs...From page 1 transition process from is chairman of the MILF’s ARMM to the Bangsamoro government.

T h e B A R M M parliament urged Malacañang last week to allow incumbent regional officials to continue working for three more years, citing lack of time for a full transition from the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or ARMM, to the Bangsamoro regional government.

The first ever regional polls for BARMM parliament members are slated 2022, simultaneous with the nationwide presidential and local elections.

The still 22-month BARMM replaced the 29-year ARMM only last February 2019, a result of two decades of peace talks between the government and the MILF. Ebrahim, the appointed Bangsamoro chief minister,

central committee.

Sema, leader of the politically active and largest among two blocs in the MNLF, said the coronavirus pandemic caused setbacks in the setting up by the MILF and Malacañang of a fully operational Bangsamoro government.

“Over and above that is the need for ample time for the mutual efforts of the MNLF and the MILF to put in place a durable governance foundation for BARMM,” Sema said Thursday.

Ebrahim and senior BARMM officials, among them his executive secretary Abdulraof Macacua, and lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, who is Bangsamoro local government minister, briefed Duterte last Monday on the need for an extension of the terms of present regional leaders to forestall backlash in the

the Soccsksargen Regional Development Plan 20172022 Midterm Update.

This initiative is being supported by Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph A. Evangelista, and NEDA XII Director Ramos.

It can be recalled Mayor Evangelista sought the help of Senate President Vicente C. Sotto, III and Senator Manuel M. Lapid

for this endeavor while Rep. Caoagdan filed House Bill No. 4444 calling for the putting up of DFA Consular Office in North Cotabato.

House Bill No. 4444 was subsequently substituted by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that led to the adoption of House of Representatives’ Resolution No. 39, series of 2020. Such resolution

takeoff of the infant Moro autonomous government.

Sinarimbo said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez, Jr. and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año were present during their meeting with Duterte in Davao City.

Sinarimbo, who is BARMM’s regional spokesperson, said Duterte has no opposition to their proposal for an extension of the terms of appointed Bangsamoro officials for three more years starting 2022.

The 80 appointed members of the BARMM parliament, among them the region’s chief minister, are together functioning as the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

Sinarimbo said Galvez, former chief of staff of the Armed Forces, told Duterte that OPAPP needs more time to pursue the normalization

agenda, to include the decommissioning of MILF guerillas, of BARMM’s charter, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, or BOL. “If the national government approves the extension of the transition period for three more years, there will be no BARMM regional elections in 2022,” Sinarimbo said.

Residents of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi voted in favor of the BOL, also known as the Republic Act 11054, in a plebiscite in January 2019, paving the way for the replacement of ARMM with a BARMM government a month later.

“The MNLF is one with the MILF in securing lasting peace, in fostering lasting peace and sustainable development in the Moro homeland through good governance,” Sema said.

called for immediate creation of consular office.

On Sept 2e this year, Director Ramos raised the matter before the Office of the President during the 53rd Cabinet Assistance System Meeting.

Ramos said this undertaking complies with President Duterte’s marching orders to all government agencies to improve their efficiency and bring services closer to the people.

Once realized, DFA clients in North Cotabato as well as those from Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, and southern part of Bukidnon, would no longer need to travel to the cities of Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Tagum, and General Santos just to avail of DFA’s services like application for passports, authentication of documents, and assistanceto-nationals. Jal P. Octavio,

ADJUDICATION OF SOLE HEIR WITH UNDERTAKING

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION

John Felix Unson

RDC-12 rushing establishment of DFA consular office ...From page 1 being pursued.

Another meeting was scheduled anew to discuss other important concerns that will help expedite the process of establishing the DFA office in Kidapawan City, one of the priorities of the RDC XII as reflected in Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court 5 SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Cotabato City -o0oth

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2020-498 -ForCANCELLATION OF THE FIRST CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 162-701 AND THE AUTHENTICATION OF THE SECOND CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 2003-5150.

IN RE: PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF THE FIRST CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 162-701 AND THE AUTHENTICATION/VALIDATION OF THE SECOND CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 2003-5150, EFRAIM PASIGAN EBRAHIM, Petitioner, -versusLOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DATU ODIN SINSUAT MAGUINDANAO Respondent. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x ORDER Before this Court is a petition for cancellation of a Certificate of Live Birth with Registry No. 162-701 and authentication/validation of the second Certificate of Live Birth under Registry No. 2003-5150 alleging inter alia: That petitioner is of age, Muslim Filipino and resident of Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; That petitioner is the second son of the spouses Ahmad Bayao Ebrahim and Norsiya Guiamad Pasigan who was born on June 1, 1981 at Dimapatoy, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; That his school records showed that his name is Efraim Pasigan Ebrahim as appering on his second Certificate of Live Birth and other allied documents sush as his Certificate of Appearance, Diploma, Certificate of Training, Medical Certificate for land based overseas workers, Certificate of Attendance, Certificate of Employment, Philippine Passport, NBI Clearance, Resident Permit at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Driving License etc. is his true and correct complete name; That lately he unearthed that he has another Certificate of Live Birth issued by the Local Civil Registrar of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao under Registry No. 162-701, containing erroneous entries such as his name, Ifbrain Pasigan Ibrahim; That he is asking for the cancellation of his first Certificate of Live and for the retention of his second Certificate of Live Birth to avoid confusion and straighten his records, and not to conceal his identities or evade criminal, civil and administrative charges.

Finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, let it be heard on January 12, 2021, at 8:30 in the morning.

The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation at his own expense before the said hearing. Anybody whi may be prejudiced therefrom may file his opposition thereto or appear on the hearing and show cause why the petition not be granted.

SO ORDERED

Cotabato City, Phlippines.

Nov 17, 2020 (Sgd)Hon. Rasad S. Laguindab Acting Presiding Judge MC: Nov. 21, 28 & Dec. 5, 2020

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I & PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH II PMARK PAWNSHOP - AWANG BRANCH PMARK PAWNSHOP - ALNOR BRANCH

Patalastas ng Subasta

PMARK Pawnshop Main ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Branch I - Parang, Maguindanao, PMARK Branch II - Supermarket Site, Cotabato City, PMARK Pawnshop Awang Branch at PMARK Pawnshop Alnor Branch ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla.

Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula pa noong Mayo at Hunyo 2020.

Ang Subasta ay sa Dec 1, 2020 sa ganap na ika- 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Nov 28, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late MANUEL TIO HERRERA, who died on May 16, 2017 at Sta. Cruz, Manila, left real and personal properties: parcels of land in Cotabato City Lot 239-A-5-C3-B-2-D-2-B-2-A, Psd-123804020537; Lot 239-A-5-C-3-B2-D-2-2-A, Psd-12-002175; Lot No. 1991-A-4-A, Psd-12000632; Lot 1, Block 7, Psd12-015726; Lot 2, Block 7, Psd-12-015726 with the total area of 9,209 sq. mts., more of less; Lot 143-B-2, Psd-11045033 at Alabel, Sarangani with an area 50,000 sq.mts, more or less; Lot 3114-0-2, Psd-12-004052 & Lot -1-B-3, Psd-12-000-3347 at Libungan, Cotabato with the total area of 7,874 sq. mts., more or less; Lot 1342-D-3-C-26 (LRC Psd185595) at Lagao, General Santos City with an area of 419 sq. mts. covered by TCT Nos. T-35449, T-18056, T-24447, T-32657, T-32658, T-7352, T-77347, T-98332 & T-75918, respectively; 4 Storey Building on Lot 239-A-5-C-3B-2-A; Shares of Stocks at CSP Digital Image Corporation and Dee Herrera Supreme Foods Corp.; Machineries in Lot 2382 under Tax Declaration Nos. 12-06-1828, 12-06-1866 & 12-06-1867 are subject of Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate before Notary Public Melquiades E. Cedeño as per Doc. No. 461; Page No. 93; Book No. CCXC; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 28 , Dec. 5 & 12, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

Notice is hereby given that the late Servando Delima Obenza who died on September 29, 2020 at Davao City, left a Savings Account with Bank of the Philippine Islands, Midsayap Cotabato, with Account No. 000133000-76 is the subject of adjudication of sole heir with undertaking before Notary Public Atty. Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 190; Page No. 38; Book No.LVII; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Noel S. Faustino has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from female to male in the birth certificate of Cyrus James Duce Faustino who was born on May 3, 2006 at Lower Gumagandong, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Noel Sim Faustino and Ma. Zeny Albeso Duce.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 4, 2020.

Karim O. Omar, MPA

Notice is hereby given that the late Marcelino Rafaela who died on July 14, 1997 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land, Lot No. 329-A, Pls-134 situated at Grebona, Libungan, Cotabato, with an area of 17,024 square meters more or less, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of portion only before Notary Public Atty. Jose Emilio S. Valentin as per Doc. No. 491; Page No. 99; Book No.CVI; Series of 2020.

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Nov. 21 & 28, 2020

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from May 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 on December 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Mayo 01, 2020 hangtud sa bulan sa Hunyo 30, 2020 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Disyembre 10, 2020 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: November 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Ang Nagdumala

NEDA Regional Office XII

Notice is hereby given that the late Rosalinda M. Dillera who died intestate on November 7, 2020 at Brgy. Midpapan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, left a Bank Account at BDO Network Bank, Pigcawayan Branch under Account No. 041220037964, is the subject of Affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Renie Jay A. Soriano as per Doc. No. 433; Page No. 87; Book No.VII; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 21, 28 & Dec. 5, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late spouses Sancho Arapoc and Gabriela Omotong, who died intestate on August 7, 2008 and February 8, 2002 at Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato, respectively left a parcel of land situated in Bo. of Sinawingan, Midasayap(now Libungan),Cotabato covered

by OCT No. P-51658, Lot No. 468, Pls-134 with an area of 57,440 sq. mts. is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous waiver of rights with before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 318; Page No. 64; Book No.CC; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 21,28 & Dec. 5, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late BERNABE B. ORO, who died intestate on July 30, 2014, left a parcel of land Lot 22, Sheet 1, Block 16, (LRC) Pcs-7123, covered by TCT No. T-9456 in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, with an area of 350 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights and simultaneous sale before Notary Public MALEIHA E. USMAN as per Doc. No. 214; Page No. 43; Book No. I, Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Bajunaid Tajo Abid who died on February 14, 2018 at Koronadal City, left a Bank Account with Land Bank of the Philippines with Account No. 00003236100781 and Mitsubishi Montero Sports GLX 2015 Vihicle with Engine No. 4D56UCFL5391, C h a s s i s N o .

MMBGNKG40EF020067 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro - Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3903; Page No. 3903; Book No.XXV; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020 E r rat u m : T h i s i s to co r re c t t h e typographical error on Nov 14 & 21, 2020 issues of the above notice.

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

12th Judicial Region BRANCH 15 Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao (Holding Office at Cotabato City)

SPL. PROC. 20-1472 -forPETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY DUNNE MARTIN T. SANTOS, Petitioner.

versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, MR. MARTIN A. SANTOS AND MRS. MA. FILIPINAS T. SANTOS , Respondent, x– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –x ORDER

A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner praying to this Court that after due notice and hearing an order issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Cotabato City to annotate the correction in the surname of the Petitioner, from Dunne Martin Tanghal to Dunne Martin Tanghal Santos.

WHEREFORE, finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby given due course. Petition is set for hearing in November 23, 2020 at 8:30 o’clock in the moring at the session Hall of this court located at the Hall of Justice, Cotabato City. All interested person/s are required to appear and show cause, if there be any, why this petition shall not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation accredited by this Court in the Province of Maguindanao, Philippines, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

SO ORDERED.

GIVEN, this 30th day September 2020, at Cotabato City, Philippines (SGD.) Annabelle D.P. Piang

Presiding Judge

MC: Oct 17, Nov. 14 & 21, 2020

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH COTABATO CITY

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Oktubre hanggang Nobyembre, 2019. Ang Subasta ay sa Nobyembre 30, 2020 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: November 28, 2020

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November 28, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

4 Redemptorists ordained to priesthood DAVAO CITY - Four Redemptorist deacons were ordained to priesthood amidst the threat of pandemic on Nov. 23.

The new ordained priests were Fr. Eric Soliven Sevencruz, CSsR from Valencia City Bukidnon, Fr. Jose Lemuel Nadorra, CSsR from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Fr. Kenneth Dan Gallamaso, CSsR from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, and Fr. Joey Valross Trillo, CSsR from Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Most Reverend Abel C. Apigo, D.D., bishop of Mati diocese, was the ordaining bishop who was also their ordaining bishop during their diaconal ordination last January 2020.

The simple celebration was attended by few people due to the threat of COVID-19. With the strict implementation of health protocols, some parents, relatives and friends of the celebrants were not able to join the historic event.

Fortunately, the ordination was live streamed on Facebook so those who were not present during the event were able to witness the

celebration.

During his homily, Bp. Apigo reminds the ordinads their priestly responsibilities as “called to be the light and salt of the earth” even as he thanked the Lord for the gift of vocation to the new ordained priests.

He also thanked the formation team and collaborators who in a way became God’s hands in molding the young priests during their formation years.

“Wherever you are assigned, you are doing it in collaboration with your bishop and your superiors. Shepherding posts a lot of challenges.

But if you are working hand in hand with your bishop and superiors, you will fulfill your mission into a memorable one.

And so render always your obedience to your provincial superior and your bishop,” Bp. Apigo said.

He also emphasized two important things when it comes to

preaching: simplicity in the convent and charity in the confessional.

For Bp. Apigo, simplicity is to have wellprepared, well-meditated homilies so that people can deeply understand the message of God’s love.

On the other hand, confession must not be a torture chamber for the people but an encounter of mercy.

He said priests must have the passion to hear confession as lived by their founder St. Alphonsus Liguori.

He concluded by acknowledging the vocation at present and invited the people to pray for young men and women to embrace the religious life and vocation.

“The congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as Redemptorists is a religious congregation of the Catholic Church dedicated to missionary work founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori.” Fr.

NEWLY ORDAINED. The four newly ordained Redemptorist priests together with Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, DD, bishop of Mati diocese.

Photo courtesy of Mati Diocese

Rock Saniel, OMI

New Vatican envoy to arrive in Manila on Sunday

Archbishop Charles John Brown, the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

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VERITAS IRELAND/SCREENGRAB VIA YOUTUBE

The new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, is set to arrive in Manila over the weekend.

In a communiqué to the bishops, the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila said that Brown is arriving on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Brown is expected to present his credentials to the Philippine government soon thereafter.

Filipino bishops welcomed the scheduled arrival of Brown, as

the country is set to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines next year.

“We wish His Excellency a fruitful, meaningful and memorable stay in our country,” Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos said.

The Vatican diplomat will be coming from his home city, New York, where he spent a few weeks break after his tour of duty as nuncio to Albania.

Prior to starting his new mission, Brown also met Pope Francis during a private audience in the Vatican on October 23.

The pope appointed the 61-year-old American archbishop as his new ambassador to the Philippines on September 28.

The post has been vacant since November 2019 when Archbishop Gabrielle Caccia was named head of the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission in the United Nations in New York. CBCP NEWS

B adaliyya

oday we open a the Advent wreath. It is not new season in the a “parol” to be decked with liturgical calendar.

Christmas lights, nor made Advent is a season of to look like a Christmas tree. hopeful vigilance, as The confusion of symbols Jesus tells his disciples must be because we are eager Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI in the gospel, “What I say to celebrate Christmas. to you I say to all, ‘Watch” There are also traditional Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC songs for Advent such as “O (Mk. 13:37). There are tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com Come Divine Messiah” and two dimensions in our celebration of Advent.

“O come, O come Emmanuel.”

First is the eschatological dimension or the end-times. We There is also the beautiful Bisayan song, “Umanhi become watchful and ready for the Lord’s second coming Ka, Ayaw Paglangan, Ginoo.” The altar is also simply as the Lord’s parable suggests. The master who left for decorated and the Gloria is not sung. Christmas songs Readings: a journey will come home at anytime and the watchman are not yet sung, except during the nine-day novena Isaiah 63: 16-17. 19. 64: 2-7; 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9; Mark 13: at the gate should be vigilant. The second dimension of called the Aguinaldo masses. This is a special permission 33-37 Advent is our preparation for the celebration of the Lord’s granted to the Philippine Church. first coming. This is the incarnational dimension. Jesus Our prayer for Advent is summed up in the petition, already came and was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Maranatha,” Greek for “Come, Lord.” The Lord Jesus Selected Gospel Passage: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. is our special visitor who will come to us anytime, even “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. And I say Advent is a pre-Christmas season. It is not yet in our everyday life. We may not recognize the Lord as to you: WATCH!” (Mk. 13: 33 & 37) Christmas. Perhaps because of the depressing effects He comes to us in the guise of a lonely person, a person of the pandemic and the disasters this year, people are in need, a child who needs comforting, or as a victim of eager to start the celebration of Christmas earlier. It a disaster.

Reflection: brightens our spirit to see Christmas decorations and A story is told of a person who dreamed that the Lord In the end, the real test of discipleship is ‘believing and lights once more. Let us however be aware of the meaning told him to be prepared for his coming the next day. He atteTake heed…

Jesus comes in moments and at events of the seasons, even as we anticipate the birth of the Lord. prepared some gifts and a good meal for the special visitor we least expect.

It is the incarnational dimension of Advent that we like and he waited. In the middle of the morning, a child came Vigilance is NOT doing anything or looking out at the to emphasize rather than the eschatological dimension. at the door weeping because he was lost. To comfort the sky but DOING our task and role well and conscienThe incarnational dimension is joyful, whereas the child, the man gave him one of the gifts and directed tiously.

The Lord comes to us in a very ordinary way eschatological dimension can make people fearful. Both him to the barangay. And he waited. At noontime, a and often in little things, Thus we need to be watchful require preparation and vigilance. Vigilance includes hungry family knocked at the door, displaced by the for his coming … renewal and conversion. Advent has a penitential flood. He offered them the lunch he prepared, anyway element as symbolized by the violet colors. Like soft clay he can cook again if Jesus comes. And he waited. In the in the potter’s hand (first reading) we allow the Lord to middle of the afternoon, a group of teenagers dropped shape us so that we may be worthy and ready to welcome by to solicit for their Christmas party. The man gave the Lord. them the remaining gifts he prepared. And he waited.

The traditional symbol of advent, beside the violet By night time, he was disappointed that Jesus did not Dhikr is an Arabic word which means REMEMBRANCE. color of the season, is the Advent wreath. The wreath is come and he fell asleep. a circle which symbolizes eternity. God is the beginning In his dream the Lord came to thank him for his 1st step: Write the text in your heart. and the end. The wreath is colored green which speaks of gifts. The man said, “But you did not come. I waited the 2nd step: Let the text remain always in on your lips and mind life and hope. There are four candles symbolizing the four whole day.” The Lord said, “I visited you three times, as - RECITING the text silently as often as possible...

Sundays of advent, three are violet and one is pink for the a boy, as a family, and as some youth. Whatsoever you third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday. Each Sunday, a candle do to the least of your brothers and sisters, you do to me. 3rd step: Be attentive to the disclosure of the meaning/s of is lighted. Liturgists insist on keeping the simplicity of Thank you.” Let us welcome the Lord, “Maranatha.” MC the text in your life.

Hopeful Vigil

REFLECTIONS

Short Reflection for the 1st Sunday of Advent (B)

DHIKR SIMPLE METHOD

5

THE MINDANAO CROSS

November 28,2020

EDITORIAL

Our Fragile Ecosystem The devastation caused by the recent typhoons in parts of Luzon did not seem to wake up our government to the natural calamities that is slowly destroying our ecosystem. For many of us, the ecosystem is just part of understanding our environment. We are still not confronted by the dangers that climate change has brought forth, and safeguards are still slow in coming.

A decade ago, when the typhoon Yolanda struck the small islands in the Visayas, government leaders were blaming each other for the neglect which would have lessen its deadly impact. One even declared that he does not see the connection between the forest denudation and the landslide that occurred killing a part of the population. Of course, one does not see how rainwater can flow down so suddenly from the mountains to the rivers, and the plains, unless one has experienced this event. I remember that the term “daluyong” was a strange term, that many wondered what it refers to , until a storm surge really did happen.

Mindanao has been referred to in the past as the “frontier area”, where the mountains were still virgin with first class forests. So came the lumber concessionaires to take advantage of God’s given resources. Now the forests are mostly gone, and the development “aggressors” are now laying their eyes on the mines and mineral resources. Exploiting our natural resources have been turned into a science that there are now technologies on the easiest, and most efficient way of extracting these resources (just remember how a group from the University of the Philippines helped in booting out the late Gina Lopez from DENR whom they accused of not being schooled in the technicalities of mining) . The lessons of “Diwalwal” in Compostela Valley is always given as an example of how not to extract resources the primitive way. But whichever method is used, it boils down to how a small resource in the mountain can destroy the whole valley. This is because every island is an ecosystem in itself; and any disturbance in one part affects the whole system.

Now, we look at how residents in the province of Cagayan and Isabela are coping with the flood of mud and water that destroyed their properties. And to think that the source of the floods are so far away that the urban centers were thought to be “safe” from calamities when the dams and other infrastructures where constructed. Fortunately, the typhoons veered away from the mountains of Luzon which are already dotted by mines and other extractive activities. An earthquake in the past has exposed the holes below the mountains, but then, caution was thrown to the winds.

This past month should be a learning experience for us who are residents of Mindanao. Are we not looking at the mountains of Tampacan and how it connects to the bodies of water that form the lifeline of this part of Mindanao? What will happen to the great Buluan Lake? How about the Ligawasan Marsh which drains the whole River System and makes the valleys around it productive?

The role of the Cotabato River System with its marshes and water tributaries has been recognized in the past as crucial to the life of the Mindanao Eco System. Hopefully, MINDA will look into this and put in the necessary safeguards which were recommended by our “dreamers”. Let us do this ASAP before another calamity hits the country. We should take seriously the dangers posed by climate change.

It’s not just in the books, folks! +

is published every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers, Inc., Sinsuat cor Quezon Avenues, Cotabato City. Tel Nos. (064) 4217161 and E-mail Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | mincross101@yahoo.com.ph Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive Valérie Ann P. Lambo, Reporter Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

John M. Unson Ferdinandh B. Cabrera Charlie C. Señase Nash B. Maulana

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS Williamor Magbanua Romer “Bong” Sarmiento Roel Osano Orlando Dinoy CARTOONIST Lourd Jim Diazon

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Entered as Second Class Mail at Cotabato City Post Office under Permit No. 91-01 Dated August 15, 1991.

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Fighting violence against women

ovember 25 to December 12 of every year is the “18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW)” in the Philippines.

This is an annual advocacy campaign of the Philippine Commission on Women mandated by Proclamation 1172, Series of 2006 and Republic Act No. 10398 of 2012 which declares November 25 of every year as the “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.”

Republic Act 9262, the “Anti-Violence Against Caloy Bautista Women and Their Children Act of 2004”, defines caloyb@gmail.com violence against women and their children as “any act or a series of acts committed by any person against women jeopardizes women’s health against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or and curbs their capacity to participate in social against a woman with whom the person has or had development. Working women’s productivity a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he decreases due to frequent absences resulting has a common child, or against her child whether from such violence decreases working women’s legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the productivity. Violence against women is responsible family abode, which result in or is likely to result for one out of every five healthy days of life lost to in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, women of reproductive age, according to the PCW. or economic abuse including threats of such acts, Added to that, violence against women drains battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary the country’s financial resources. The PCW reveals deprivation of liberty.” an estimated P6 billion pesos was spent by the According to the Philippine Commission on Philippines in 2002 to treat VAW survivors. This Women, violence against women appears as one of amount covered the medical treatment of VAW the country’s pervasive social problems. According injuries, psychological therapies and programs for to the 2017 National Demographic and Health survivors, maintenance of shelters, cost of legal Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics and court proceedings to prosecute perpetrators, Authority, one in four Filipino women aged 15- training costs of service providers, and other 49 has experienced physical, emotional or sexual indirect social costs to family members of VAW violence by their husband or partner. Despite efforts survivors and perpetrators. to address the concern, VAW persists.

VAW is an issue of governance, the PCW says, Such violence can have devastating consequences adding: “A state promotes good governance when for victims. Psychological effects include symptoms it makes available effective remedies to eliminate of trauma related disorders such as post-traumatic VAW in the homes, in the communities and in the stress disorder, or PTSD, and substance abuse. In state.” addition to the direct effects of abuse, psychological On that last point, one cannot help but wonder symptoms can be exacerbated by the social isolation just how much forward movement can be had in that perpetrators often impose on victims. Physical combatting violence against women and children effects include not only injuries but also chronic under a leader that is viewed by women’s rights problems such as headaches, pelvic pain, and advocates as a misogynist who enables such violence irritable bowel syndrome. Not all women will show with his public pronouncements - making a joke of all of these effects, and some women who have a woman missionary’s rape in Davao City where sustained violence may show none of them. he was mayor decades ago, saying he has sexually The PCW says violence against women strikes assaulted a maid when he was a teenager, saying their personhood. It does not only affect their he had ordered soldiers to shoot women communist physical and reproductive health, but specially their guerillas in their genitals, among others. While mental and emotional state. It has caused women dismissed as jokes by government apologists, to feel ashamed and to lose their self-esteem. It women’s rights advocates do not view them as threatens women’s personal security. matters that should be taken so lightly.

Further, it limits human development. Violence Isn’t that situation pathetic? MC HE Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Co. Inc. (PLTD) is becoming too centralized in its policies at decision-making. It has set a cut-off period for the monthly bills payments where failure to beat deadlines means the client’s line is to be cut off from the system without prior notice.

Worse off, the system may automatically throw your bills off to a legal firm partner of the company under contract to review your contracts (read: accounts).

Not satisfied with cutting your line off and leave your children and everyone else in the households (much dependent on your Wi-Fi connection) for the blended Nash B. Maulana learning and work-at-home mode, you will receive a call nash.penlight@gmail.com from one claiming to represent a law firm and would demand “proof of payment.”

An Advocacy Paper titled “Tackling Anti-Illicit But hey! Wait! We are not a party to their legal Trade in ASEAN” written by journalist-researcher service contract—which is technically entered into by Tisha Martinez of Precious Communications, says: and between the PLDT and the law firm, I suppose. “(More than) the macroeconomic shocks to the economy, Their regional branches have only have the sole the pandemic has also put a spotlight on Southeast function of receiving payments on bills, without the Asia’s growing illicit trade industry. Vietnam has power whatsoever to even follow-up on reconnection seized over 150,000 counterfeit 3M face masks while service with the company’s top levels. the Philippines has seized medical supplies worth This is how I most objectively assess the general US$5 million. predicament of PLDT subscribers amid mounting (informal) complaints via social media posts and *** comments about PLDT being “fast in collecting and I find the e-trading platform of Taiwan more receiving payments, but is slow in its delivery of service. traditional, more engaging, more precise and friendlier Its law firm partner should be more flexible and than the popular online shopping platform. In Taiwan reasonable amid the new normal, and spare from and generally in China, the buyer can better appreciate legal review contracts of subscribers who do not incur the products in wide array of choices by chatting or by much of unpaid bills or those who religiously pay their exchanging emails with suppliers. Courier companies monthly bills, but are not fast enough to beat the cut- like FedEx are also too specific on taxes and customs off period. duties in their e-forms. One way of avoiding a financial sting in e-commerce, is to use a debit card, instead of *** a credit card.

The state pandemic in COVID-19 has disrupted (Postscript: My apologies to Philippine Army Chief, supply chains, plunged stock markets, aside from the Lt Gen Cirilito Sobejana for misstating his birthplace as fact that it has taken the lives of thousands of people. Alcala, Cagayan, but which is actually in Zamboangita ASEAN countries are facing a crisis like never before. City, Negros Oriental. ) MC

Thinking Aloud

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PLDT’s top-level decisionmaking affects online learning

PENLIGHT

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November 28, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21).

Still being ironed out is the mysterious disappearance this week of a 51-year old lawyer while on his way to his law firm in Cebu City is being looked into by poCharlie Señase lice authorities, including csenase@yahoo.com the suspicious ambush-slay of former Jolo police chief EAR of the “double” almost ending, hoping against hope that the 2020 Lt. Col. Walter Annayo by unknown armed Yuletide would be merrily yummy men along the national highway of Sultan than whammy. What with these flashing Mastura town in Maguindanao. Annayo was mixture of world headlines from the good, recalled to his regional base command in Parang, Maguindanao following joint PNPbad and the ugly?

It’s heartwarming to know that BAR in AFP investigation of his men who allegedly Muslim Mindanao is indeed Bangsamoro killed four Army intelligence officers in Jolo Autonomous Region for its brandishing last June. Justice must prevail for with peace and development efforts are up and God there’s nothing hidden that will not be not the Browning Automatic Rifle as some exposed. And to whom it may concern - Only conjure to connote due to the unabated kill- truth shall set you free.

And amid conflict of interest, the folings and acts of violence in the region. lowing are for the good vibes: DSWD-12 has Despite government’s tight security measures and pacification drive to lure served a total of 52 centenarians who were armed communists, Moro extremists and recipients of P100,000 each for the Year 2020 terrorists to the folds of law, the breakdown of which three this week were from Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato. of law and order still persists.

The cash reward is good motivation for Top brass from the PNP and the AFP are mandated to police their own ranks Filipinos to reach 100 years old only when against scalawags and abusive members the law (RA 10868) would automatically that human rights groups and other con- adjust to the ever-changing peso-dollar exchange rate. What value is 100 if it has been cerned sectors of society are up in protest.

The much talked about “red-tagging” devalued?

But little things mean a lot for BARMM by authorities of personalities allegedly link with the CPP-NDF-NPA has been consid- to be recipient of the government’s Investered as unjust and inhuman. But govern- ment Priorities Plan approved this week by ment insists it has basis, legal or otherwise. the President that includes “fiscal incentives If innocent, why fear? Stay calm and for Islamic banking.”

The signed memorandum covers IPP humble to confront allegations. The Godfearing fears no one but Him. For with God in the manufacture of medicines, medical equipment and other supplies, including who can be against you?

Some religious denominations believe mass production of exportable products that the Duterte administration is anti- abundant in the region’s natural resources, human rights and devoid of socio-economic said Regional Board of Investments Chair justice for them to join mass protest by Ishak Mastura.

As the year-end nears the Philippine activist groups in the midst of COVID-19.

Statistics Authority ranks BARMM as The move is contrary to God’s directive that constituents must subject themselves of duly second in Mindanao in terms of economic constituted authorities, thus the separation growth based from its Gross Regional Doof Church and State when the LORD said mestic Product and Expenditure Growth “Render to Caesar the things that are Cae- Rate.

Trade and Industry-wise, the country sar’s and to God the things that are God’s” is stable to have a total of P33 billion intact (Matthew 22:21).

Law-abiding citizens are God-fearing in the Department amid all these calamities people in obedience to His precepts not to according to the Commission on Audit. In overthrow government as shown in Romans these trying times, trust God to be in control 13, Titus 3 and 1 Peter 2:12-17, but reminded in all things saying: “I will never leave you us instead “Not to be overcome by evil, but nor forsake you even unto the end of the age” (Hebrews 13:5). MC

Never self-destruct

TRUE TO FORM

Y

and science of grafting using her current love affair with bougamvillea. Such passion for plants and gardening which started from dendrumbiums is her way of honoring her parents, the Cristobals of Upi and Pigcawayan, from whom she draws inspiration and guidance even now that they are gone, “para mawala Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy ang kamingaw ko sa kanila” says she. franco1573victoria@gmail.com •Not yet satisfied with just dirtying her hands, so to s there anything else this young mother Is there anything else this young mother speak, her husband Raymond encourages cannot do? For petite Aileen Cristobal her with her latest baby, an honest to Yu Ekey, every minute counts, no moment goodness nursery cum flower farm named is wasted, as far as she is concerned. Early Blooms and Petals Flower Farm, located mornings, she’s among her favorite plants, in Pigcawayan. There is no doubt, this will appreciating them, savoring her well be a future destination for all plantitas earned success with growing exotic greens, and plantitos alike or may encourage nonimported orchids and, her latest passion gardening enthusiast to take up the hobby. bougamvillea. She joins her ever supportive Believe me, watching a seed grow is a very hubby Raymond, for breakfast then goes calming experience.

• Madam Aileen is a pharmacist by to supervise her kitchen that serves lunch and dinner to a huge company. Her shop profession, a graduate of Centro Escolar also prepares “kakanen” , native delicacies University. She and Raymond have 4 and ilonggo specialties. Occasionally, she children, Dr.Aimes Kaitlin, MD, Joseph would whip up the real honest to goodness Rayniel Elmo, Anne Margarita and Mariel Divine.

Arroz Valenciana I am deeply disheartened by the Another moment, she is preparing special dinner or bakes cakes or pastries announcement of the closure of the College for her family of 4 children and the family’s of the Holy Spirit, formerly known as Holy favorite gourmet fare. It’s fun time for the Ghost College, along Mendiola St., Metro Yu Ekey couple to visit gardens abroad, as Manila.

The nuns, Missionary Sisters Servants well as deliver the orders of flowers to their of the Holy Spirit who have been running the favored clients.

•As we write this, wonder woman Aileen school since 1913,cited the following reasons: has completed decorating her traditional 1) The K2-12 program; 2) competition from towering 8 foot Christmas tree, life size Government Institutions in the form of higher “tin can soldiers” line the staircase. As if salaries for teachers; 3) economic situation of her hands are not full enough, this wonder clients/student. Only the Mendiola campus woman is experimenting successfully the art shall be closed. MC

Stretching the Limits

THE STUFF OF LIFE

I

Aileen Cristobal Yu Ekey

U.S. President Joe Biden

The liver is particularly susceptible to alcohol-related injury because it is the primary site of alcohol metabolism. As alcohol is broken down in the liver, a number of potentially dangerous by-products are generated, such as Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, acetaldehyde and highly M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM reactive molecules called cheridinemd@gmail.com free radicals. Perhaps more so than alcohol t is not uncommon to see nowadays, itself, these products patients with ultrasound findings contribute to alcohol-induced liver of fatty liver. Older persons come in damage. asking me about the consequences of The maximum safe level of alcohol this finding. Perhaps, it would be best intake per day is 20g. Liver damage, to shed some light on this by writing according to studies begin at 30g about the consequences of too much of alcohol intake per day. However, alcohol in the liver. some books say, because of physiologic I had a 68 year old patient who seem make-up, men can take as much as to enjoy the company of AL (alcohol) 60g/day, not without risks of course. in times of stress. He attributes his To compute: a bottle of beer contains intellectual alertness and mental 10g of alcohol, 1L wine has 80g and a speed to his best friend Al. Not only 30ml whiskey has 10g. him, I see a lot of older male patients Surprisingly, Alcoholic who ask me if it's possible for them to S t e a t o h e p a t i t i s ( A S H ) i s m o r e continue drinking alcohol despite their common in Asian countries rather liver dysfunction for several reasons: than those countries where alcohol they need it when socializing with serves as a regular meal beverage. friends and when they show- off with The main reason perhaps is exposure women. to poverty and lack of employment.

Have you heard these diagnoses In the Philippines, the unemployed f r o m y o u r d o c t o r s ? A l c o h o l i c father who belongs below poverty line steatohepatitis (ASH), non-alcoholic is pictured as an alcoholic whose water steatohepatitis (NASH) and non- is precisely, alcohol. alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?

It really depends on how we control T h e s e d i a g n o s e s r e f e r t o f a t t y ourselves. Discipline is the key to a infiltration of the liver which may be healthy life. Yes, it's alright to take alcohol or non- alcohol induced. alcohol within safe levels but we should I see a lot of patients now with also see if our bodies are competent. In high levels of SGOT and SGPT (liver old age, the immune system declines. function tests), reflective of liver There is also a need to remember that dysfunction. Significant increase free radicals may accumulate in the though should be double or triple body as we age. These free radicals the higher upper limit. Some have increase the risk of developing cancer cholesterol levels which are high. or simply speed up the aging process.

Others are currently taking or have So, one may choose to make Al his best had lipid lowering drugs in their friend for as long as he doesn't abuse medical history. To find out that the his cells' function. For ASH, medication liver problem is alcohol induced, we is warranted however for both NASH should compute for the SGOT:SGPT and NAFLD, careful observation is the ratio. If it is greater than 2 and the only advice plus proper nutrition... and SGOT is greater than SGPT, the liver of course, infrequent meetings with problem is probably alcohol induced.

Al(cohol). MC

Drinking alcohol in old age

GOLDEN THREADS

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Managing Public Events…

of social exploitation and abuse, or environmental protection.

How many times does an organization need to call for public engagement? The institution or the persons assigned therein to handle public engagements Danny Buenbrazo should be clear on the danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com number or frequency of public engagements. lans, programs, and projects, Compliance with the particularly those undertaken by Indigenous Peoples” Rights Act of 1997 local governments, line agencies, mandate that the proponent of a project and non-government organizations lead involving indigenous Filipinos should the proponent entity to hold one or more conduct several meetings or assemblies. activities that involve the general public Establish clear objectives on why or certain sectors. International standards, you would like to invite and engage national laws, or regulations of development institutions and individuals. The range of institutions, donors, or lenders lay the basis the involvement of invited participants can for engaging the public. range from just being informed to being Doing this public engagement activities consulted or to have direct participation properly not only keep an LGU, a non- in the drafting of a plan, program, or profit, or a government agency from getting project. In relation to the compliance with into hot water for non-compliance but, more the IPRA, an organization that seeks to importantly, such improves the chances do commercial operation in an area where of success of a policy, plan, program, or indigenous people are present or would project. Development institutions and like to introduce a development project lenders are very particular with compliance therein, should conduct several public of their partner organizations or borrowers assemblies. Some meetings will just be (LGU, national government agency, or non- to inform the concerned people about a government organizations) with required proposed enterprise or development project. public engagements.

Other sessions would be to draw up the It is, therefore, to the best interest of perceptions of the indigenous people on a fund beneficiary or a borrower to learn the project, particularly on what beneficial how to conduct public engagements in the and/or adverse effects it may have on the proper manner. This is especially true if community or individual members thereof. they are interested to receive more grant Then there are also meetings where a or loan from the funding agency. consensus is to be obtained on whether What are the important points, the people concerned are amenable to the therefore, to know about undertaking proposed enterprise or project and their public engagements? conditions for accepting such.

Know the legal requirements or Equally important is the identification policy framework that requires you to of the mandatory participants to a public conduct participatory planning, public assembly or consultation. Is it only a few consultation, or similar activities requiring leaders that you would need to engage broader involvement. Meetings and other with or a wider number of people and engagements with the public could be organizations? Proper notice should be required to make people aware of the given to the invitees to enable them to rules and processes related to a program prepare properly and to travel to the venue or project such as procurement, finance, of the meeting. and the like. These may also be required Finally, it is important to properly to comply with international or domestic record the proceedings of public gatherings policies or laws on social protection such through minutes, photographs, and signed as those on indigenous people, prevention documents. MC

MARKET DRIVEN

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Toto, Toy favor... From page 1 COVID-19 pandemic that made transition difficult to implement.

“Three years (of transition) are not enough,” MP Khadaffy Toy Mangudadatu said.

He recalled that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the forerunner of BARMM, was declared “failed experiment” because despite more than three decades it failed to address things that need to be addressed.

To prove his support to the extension was not meant for vested interest, MP Mangudadatu said he is willing to step down after his interim appointment ends next year.

His goal was to address poverty, create more infrastructure projects and improved peace and order of the region.

His brother, Rep. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu of Maguindanao’s second district, said the proposal

to extend the BARMM transition period was referred to his committee, the Committee on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation.

Rep. Mangudadatu also supports the call of BARMM leadership. He added he met with some BTA members and groups that support the BARMM leadership’s request for extension.

“There are many things that must be completed but cannot be done in three years due to pandemic,” Rep. Mangudadatu said.

He cited the provision in the law that says each decommissioned MILF will receive P1 million where P100,000 for his personal needs, P400,000 for education and other family needs and the P500,000 for housing project.

“This normalization aspect is yet to be realized fully,” he said in the vernacular.

On Monday, Chief Minister Ebrahim, along

with BARMM Executive Secretary Abduraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua and BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo met with Pres.

Duterte in Davao City regarding the request for extension until 2025.

“The President’s response was clear, he supports moves to extend the transition period,” Sinarimbo said.

“The President then directs his cabinet members to look the matter seriously,” Sianrimbo added.

Sinarimbo also said in an interview that the BTA members’ move for extension was not an attempt to perpetuate them to power and stay, “Ito ay upang kumpletuhin ang mga importanteng bagay para tuloy tuloy ang kapayapaan at pag unlad ng Bangsamoro Region,” he said. Ferdinandh B.

Industry’s share of 25.1% to the region’s economy expanded by 10.2% in 2019 compared to the 6.4% increase in the previous year. Services, which contributed the lion’s share to the BARMM’s economy at 40.4%, grew by 7.7% in 2019, a bit higher from its 2018 growth record at 7.6 percent.

With the 6.0 percent GDP growth of the country in 2019, BARMM contributed 0.1 percentage point while its share to the total economy was 1.3 percent.

BARMM accelerates household spending Reports from PSA-BARMM s howed that household final consumption expenditure (HFCE) in BARMM expanded to 6.2 percent in 2019, compared with the 2.9 percent registered in 2018. Government spending in the region grew by 8.8%. Likewise, gross capital formation of

the region grew by 11.7 percent in 2019. Gross capital formation slowed down by 4.4 percent in 2019, which was slower than the 17.6 percent growth in 2018.

Total exports of goods and services to ROW posted double-digit growth of 69.5 percent in 2019.

However, Total imports of goods and services from ROW declined by 37.7 percent.

Real per capita HFCE grew by 4.1 percent in 2019. The real per capita HFCE in the region was recorded at PhP 65,407 in 2019, lower than the national level which amounted to Php 130,743.

In his video message, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said: “the BARMM is an infant government. As we navigate with the ongoing transition, we acknowledge the need to bulk up our programs with sufficient data and responsive

programs suited in the context of our region.”

“With PSA’s unparalleled commitment to help in this process, we are optimistic that things will be smoother and not baseless. In the context of the GRDP and GRDE, it is a must for us to tailor fit its data to our development plans and programs,” CM Ebrahim added.

Also present during the program were PSA Civil Registrar General Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa, Lanao del Sur Chief Statistical Specialist Noronisa Macadadaya, PSABARMM Chief Statistical Specialist Mahmur Sarail, Bangsamoro Planning and development Authority (BPDA) Director General Engr. Mohajirin Ali, and representatives from BARMM’s different ministries and offices.

Cabrera

BARMM top 2 in 2019 economic...From page 1

Bureau of Information

Public

TF probes murder of police...From page 1 The 41-year-old Lt. Col. Walter Annayo died on the spot from bullet wounds sustained in the attack.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, PRO-BAR director, told Mindanao Cross Wednesday they have activated a task force to probe in the gun attack that resulted in Annayo's death.

Annayo had just alighted from his Toyota Fortuner sports utility vehicle to buy buco juice from a vending stall along a stretch of the Secretary Narciso Ramos Highway in Barangay Macabiso, Sultan Mastura when his attackers riding another SUV came close and opened fire.

Annayo, who hailed from Baguio City, was reassigned to the PROBAR headquarters in Camp SK Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao after a controversial incident in Jolo, capital town of Sulu.

Annayo was chief of the police station in Jolo that hit the news after a team of local policemen shot dead in a busy spot

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

November 28,2020

in that southern town four agents of the Army’s Intelligence Service Unit, Major Marvin Indammog and companions Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sgt. Eric Velasco and Corporal Abdal Asula, in an alleged shootout that has since remained unsolved.

Indammog was then commanding officer of the Army’s ISU unit in Region 9 covering the Zamboanga Peninsula and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and TawiTawi in the Bangsamoro region.

In a report to PROBAR’s headquarters, the Sultan Mastura police station said the killers of Annayo fled towards the direction of Parang, a seaside town in the first district of Maguindanao province.

I n t e l l i g e n c e agents from units of the Philippine Navy’s 1st Marine Brigade covering Maguindanao’s neighboring Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Parang towns have been mobilized to help the

PRO-BAR identify the culprits.

Brig. Gen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, has directed their agents to enlist the sup port of barangay folk in helping the PRO-BAR establish the identities of the gunmen behind the murder of Annayo.

John Felix Unson

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late NARCISO B. CARIÑO who died on May 14, 2010 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land “KOT BLG. P-59853” Lot No. 605-H, Csd-12-005788, situated at Kimagango, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 17,477 sq. mts, more or less is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 27; Page No. 6; Book No. CXCVII; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 28 , Dec 5 & 12,, 2020

Geneva Call is looking for a Project Officer, maternity leave replacement, for Cotabato City

Background: Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect for international humanitarian norms by armed non-State actors (ANSA) in armed conflict and other situations of violence, in order to improve the protection of civilians, while supporting local communities in their efforts to enhance their own protection.

Geneva Call is currently focusing its efforts the following thematic areas under the umbrella of international humanitarian norms: banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children and education from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence and gender discrimination in armed conflict, prohibition of forced displacement, protection of cultural heritage and the protection of the medical mission.

Position: Project Officer Department: Eurasia Location of work: Cotabato City, the Philippines Main Objective: The Project Officer contributes to the operations of Geneva Call by supporting the design, planning and implementation of initiatives according to programme and budget plans, internal procedures and guidelines as well as donor requirements. S/he is expected to take the lead with specific project activities related to communications as well as activities in the field, such as awareness-raising, meetings, trainings, workshops and coordinating initiatives with traditional/religious leaders and civil society partners as well as monitoring and reporting on contextual developments.

Role: The Project Officer reports to the Project Coordinator and interacts with Admin/Finance/HR within the organisation; engages externally with local and international civil society/NGOs, field-based stakeholders such as religious leaders, communities, as well as civilian and military authorities and ANSAs subject to Head of Mission’s (HoM) approval.

Core Responsibilities: I. Planning, Implementation & Reporting In consultation with the Project Coordinator: •Participate in the drafting of project plans, budgets, and monitoring plans; •Responsible for quality project implementation, incl. activities such as trainings and workshops, and monitoring in accordance with Geneva Call and donor work plans, budget and procedures; •Monitor and report on the implementation of all project activities, outputs and outcomes, submitting required reporting and documentation accurately and on time including supporting local partners in their reporting and ensuring their reports follow GC formats; •Ensure partner capacities are assessed before project implementation and appropriate support is provided to fill identified gaps; •Manage safe-keeping of information and knowledge, including filing of programme documents and materials; •Collect and analyse information relating to the context, conflict situation, humanitarian needs and potential impact on Geneva Call’s work in project area(s) and relay this to Project Coordinator; •Monitor the security situation vis-à-vis the project, project partners and Geneva Call, preparing risk assessments and suggesting mitigating measures following up on incidents as necessary; •Conduct research into specific humanitarian issues as well as policies, practices and values (religious, ideological, cultural etc.) of conflict parties to analyse trends and support arguments to improve compliance with humanitarian norms; II. Communications •Support design and production of innovative electronic (video, radio, social media) and print (booklets, posters, flyers etc.) communications materials adapted to the local context in coordination with Project Team in the Philippines and Communications Team at Geneva HQ; •Manage Geneva Call’s social media feed and accounts, ensuring regular feed of fresh content and interaction with target audiences as well as monitoring online engagement and reach of online posts; •Provide material (photos, videos, stories from the field) about project activities and timely reports to showcase project outcomes and achievements; •Support implementation of communications strategy including activities, campaigns, events and other initiatives; III. External relations •Engage local and international organizations regularly; •Assist HoM in engaging senior officials and other key stakeholders; draft speaking points and messages for HoM and other colleagues at Geneva Call; IV. Administrative and Finance tasks With support of the Admin/Finance Officer (based in the Philippines) •Follow all administrative and finance procedures; •Release resources to partners/projects as per approved plans and agreements and reimbursement and/or liquidation of project expenditures; •Monitor and report on all project expenses of budgets and available funding, including supporting documents; V. Other Duties •Attend and represent Geneva Call as required at conferences and other fora of interest to the organisation; •Perform any other tasks as assigned by the line manager.

Main Qualifications I.Education: •Completed degree of Higher Education in relevant field such as Islamic Studies, Political or Social Science, International Humanitarian Law or Human Rights II.Experience •At least 3 years in a humanitarian/human rights/protection organisation working in conflict-affected areas; •Experience in reporting, monitoring and research; •Knowledge of and/or work experience in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law; •Knowledge of and/or work experience in Islamic Law; •Experience in advocacy and communications, incl. using various platforms; •Knowledge of and/or work experience in Protection; •Knowledge and experience in designing and implementing training programmes; •Demonstrable knowledge of issues of humanitarian affairs and capacity for in-depth analysis; •Experience in developing professional relationships with various stakeholder groups and working in a neutral and objective manner; •Experience working with international organisations preferred; •IT tools (MS office, Excel, Email, social media) III.Languages •Required: Excellent English and Tagalog; •Preferred: Fluency in Maguindanaoan, Teduray, Maranao, Iranun IV.Personal qualities •Understanding and respect for organizational principles, vision, mission and confidentiality; •Strong logic and organizational skills, flexibility and adaptability to change; •Ability to take responsibility, proactive and efficient functioning, strong communication skills; •Ability to work independently as well as in a team and multicultural environment; •Accuracy and reliability, ability to meet deadlines under pressure; •Drive for results Conflict of interest **Any candidate affiliated to or openly supporting one or more interest groups contrary to the principles and values of the Foundation, or whose previous activity could cause difficulties for the safety of women and men co-workers at Geneva Call will be excluded from this selection process. The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the Geneva Call Performance Management guidelines.

The following documents will be used for performance reviews: •Job Description •Action plan •Performance Review Template Conditions Conditions Position: 100%. Contract duration: 7 December 2020 until 28 February 2021. The first one (1) month of the contract period is a probation period.

HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please send your cover letter and CV in PDF format to hr-eurasia@genevacall.org, ref: “Project officer” no later than 2nd December 2020. All applications will be kept confidential. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further process.

8

November 28, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Sanduguan Mindanaw is the public journalism page of The Mindanao Cross. It comes out every last Saturday of the month. The stories covered in Sanduguan are selected by the staff based on the criteria that these are the issues that matter most to the communities in the BARMM and Central Mindanao; that these stories educate, explain, empower, and help readers understand what is happening around them; and at the same time enabling them to be advocates for change. The name of the section connotes ONE BLOOD for peace.

Are you ready for Cotabato City's turnover to BARMM? With only a month away from the end of the year 2020, the talk of the town has shifted to the pivotal turnover of Cotabato City to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In the past months, the city government and the BARMM leadership have been at odds, occasionally trading barbs on social media.

Cotabato City, which plays host as the provisional seat of the BARMM, voted for inclusion in the region on January 21, 2019 with an astounding vote of 36,682 “yes” votes over the 24,994 “no” votes. But the city government questioned the referendum results before the Supreme Court.

Syempre okay lang sa amin. Kasi parang kalokohan naman na nanalo na nung plebiscite ang yes tapos di pa rin nasali ang Cotabato City. Tapos nandito pa talaga ang opisina ng BARMM. Respetuhin na lang natin ang sistema ng election. Bigyan natin ng chance itong bagong region.

Wag sana tayo magbangayan sa issue na ito.

Isipin natin na ang layunin ng Bangsamoro government ay ang kapakanan ng Bangsamoro. Kung hindi po nanalo ang yes sa Cotabato City, malipat ang government center sa ibang lugar at sayang yong pera na pumapasok sa city. Ang mga emplyado ng BARMM dito ginagastos ang kinikita nila sa Cotabato City, malaki po pakinabang ng city sa BARMM. Kung isantabi muna natin ang politics ay bubuhos ang mga proyekto dito sa city.

Huwag natin sayangin ang plano ng BARMM na mgkakaroon ang island provinces ng airport at seaport upang mgkaroon ng flight or barko na deretso mula island papunta ng Cotabato City, ma-bypass ang Zamboanga City na nakikinabang sa kalakaran ng island provinces.

Alhamdulillah! Mabuti rin malipat na ang Cotabato City sa BARMM. Wish ko lang matigil na sa city yung palakasan system o kung hindi kaya, sana mabawasan. Para magkaroon ng pagkakataon yong mahihirap at mahihina. Sana ito na din ang maging daan para maituwid 'yong mga baluktot na pamamalakad sa city kung meron man.

Mike, 67

Jimmy, 48

Rayyan, 34

Early this year, Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi formally requested President Rodrigo Duterte to defer the transfer of the city to Bangsamoro until June 30, 2022 when it is expected that the "BARMM bureaucracy would have been fully operational" or the formal end of the transition period. GuianiSayadi was then informed that the Department of Interior and Local Government has deferred the transfer to at least December 2020.

This week, The Mindanao Cross asked some residents of Cotabato City on their view about the inevitable turnover of the city to the Bangsamoro region.

Pam, 25

Kevin, 23

Stanley, 54

Sana ituloy na muna nila yung status quo until election time. Mas magulo kasi ngayon na mag extend pa itong transition. Mabagal ang takbo ng sistema sa BARMM. May problema sila sa pamamalakad sa totoo lang.

Kung Bisaya pa, wala silay klaro. Karami nilang nilagay sa pwesto na mga kamag-anak ng mga minister na wala namang elligibility.

Unahin na lang muna nila ayusin yang mga opisina nila bago isali-sali ang Cotabato City.

I'm excited for the turn over. Wala naman talaga karapatan ang city mayor na tumanggi sa pag-turnover ng Cotabto City sa BARMM dahil mayor lang sya. Hindi habang panahon sya nakaupo bilang mayor. Atsaka di rin sya pwede umayaw dahil sakop na ng BARMM ang Cotabto City. Delayed tactics lang ang ginagawa ni Mayora para medyo malaki ang makuha nilang pakinabang sa city habang di pa na-turnover.

Wala naman akong magagawa, as ordinary citizen, sa pag-turnover ng Cotabato City sa BARMM. Ang sa akin lang, naawa ako sa mga empleyado na nagtatrabaho sa city katulad ng mga teachers at workers ng mall.

Magbago talaga ang kanilang sweldo or minimum wage kasi nga iba yung rate ng BARMM compared sa region 12. Lalo rin tayo mahirapan kasi one of the poorest region pa rin ang BARMM.